AMD-B’s 25th Birthday

Posted on September 20, 2024September 21, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

AquaMarine Diving - Bali Celebrates 25 Years

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Internship

On 18 September 2024, AquaMarine Diving – Bali (AMD-B) marks a significant milestone as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. Since our founding in 1999, AquaMarine has been dedicated to offering unique diving experiences, exploring Bali’s stunning underwater landscapes, and supporting marine conservation.

From our humble beginnings as a small, passionate company, AquaMarine has grown into one of Bali’s most respected dive operators. Over the years, we have always prioritized safety, professionalism, and creating memorable adventures for our guests. Our commitment to delivering exceptional diving experiences has remained steadfast, and our team’s dedication to excellence has been key to our success.

25 Years Dedication and Commitment

We’ve seen many changes and advancements in the diving industry over the past 25 years. From introducing new technologies to enhancing our training programs, AquaMarine has continually evolved to meet the needs of our divers and the challenges of marine conservation. Our mission has always been to provide the best possible diving experiences while contributing positively to the preservation of our ocean environment.

As part of our commitment to marine conservation, the Blue Project is still going strong. Through regular beach and underwater clean-ups, educational programs, and efforts to protect marine environments, we continue to do our part in preserving the natural beauty of Bali’s waters. The Blue Project reflects our ongoing dedication to sustainability and responsible diving practices.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the continued support of our loyal guests and hardworking team. We’re grateful for the trust and enthusiasm that has made AquaMarine Diving – Bali what it is today. Here’s to 25 years of diving excellence and many more to come!

Komodo

Posted on August 16, 2024August 17, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Scuba Diving in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park comprises the area’s three major islands: Komodo, Rinca, Padar and many smaller islands, the macro areas of Sangeang volcano and Sumbawa, and the barrier reef of Moyo Island.

Komodo and surrounding islands are located in the straits within the Lesser Sunda Islands between Sumba and Flores. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, the islands have a dry savannah landscape with pockets of thorny green vegetation, white and red sandy beaches, and lagoons for swimming and snorkelling.

In addition to the spectacular diving, Komodo National Park is home to the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Komodo dragons are endemic to eastern Indonesia and mainly found on the islands of Flores and Komodo. In 2021, the Komodo dragon was entered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ‘Endangered’ list. This means it has a “high risk of extinction”.

Diving Komodo National Park

Being part of the Coral Triangle, Komodo National park offers some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth.

Liveaboard diving is the most popular choice due to the distance between dive sites. Komodo’s northern sites are sometimes subject to strong currents but offer the chance to see schooling White-tip and Grey reef sharks, large schools of Giant and Blue-fin trevally, Big eye jacks, different species of turtles, even dolphins and dugongs. At quieter times, massive Napoleon wrasse in good numbers and Eagle rays come in from the blue.

In the south is the world-famous site Cannibal Rock in Horseshoe Bay, Rinca, home to some rare nudibranchs, several species and colours of Rhinopias, and a host of frogfish.

There are several Manta aggregation sites where divers can fly with literally squadrons of these magnificent creatures.

Seasons and Dive Conditions in Komodo National Park

Dry Season is April to November and is considered the best time to dive here.

However Wet Season ie: north-east monsoon (December to February) is also Manta Season 🙂 but can have reduced visibility.
Late November usually gives less rough seas but plenty of Manta sightings.

January to March: The northern dive sites become quite rough; consequently some land-based dive centres close at this time. If this is the only time available to you, AquaMarine suggests taking a liveaboard to visit southern dive sites. Our Dive Travel Consultants can help you with this.

Some of Komodo’s dive sites can have challenging currents; eg: Karang Makassar (Manta Point) so AquaMarine advises you refresh or upgrade your skills before heading over there to ensure you maximise your enjoyment.

How to reach Komodo National Park

There are liveaboards offering the round-trip between Bali and Komodo National Park.

Otherwise, coming from overseas, you would fly into Bali or Jakarta and then catch a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo. From there you either join a liveaboard or use local dive centres and resorts to explore nearby dive sites. In addition, there is a dive centre on Sebayur Island which is within the National Park.

On off-gassing days, we can arrange visits to see the actual Komodo dragons: Imagine 3m/10ft and 150lbs/70kgs of lizard! (The largest verified specimen was 366lbs/166kgs…) Don’t let their bulky appearance fool you as they can sprint up to 12mph/20km/h. They can dive to 15ft/4.5m and, when young, use their massive claws to climb trees. To catch out-of-reach prey, they stand on their hind legs and use their tail as support.

If you’re ready to experience Komodo National Park – or elsewhere in Indonesia! please contact AMD-B’s ‘Beyond Bali’ Dive Travel Consultants today on.

As always, they will be more than happy to offer recommendations and make arrangements to suit your preferences!

Why You Should Learn To Scuba Dive

Posted on August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Learn To Scuba Dive

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Internship

Scuba diving is an exciting and unique activity that lets you explore the underwater world. Whether you’re interested in marinelife, underwater landscapes, or simply enjoying a new hobby. Learning to scuba dive offers many benefits. Here are six reasons why you should learn to scuba dive:

Discovering a New World

Learning to scuba dive opens up a whole new world beneath the waves. The ocean is full of amazing creatures, colorful coral reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks. By diving, you get the chance to see these wonders up close and experience the beauty and diversity of marinelife. This underwater adventure is something you can’t find anywhere else.

Health and Fitness Benefits

Scuba diving is also great for your health. It’s a full-body workout that strengthens your muscles, improves your flexibility, and boosts your cardiovascular health. The breathing techniques used in diving can help improve your lung capacity and overall respiratory health. Plus, being underwater can have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

Building Confidence and Skills

Learning to scuba dive helps build confidence and develop new skills. You’ll learn how to handle dive equipment, navigate underwater, and communicate with dive buddies. These skills can translate into better problem-solving abilities and increased confidence in other areas of your life. Overcoming challenges underwater can make you feel more capable and self-assured.

Environmental Awareness

Scuba diving can also make you more aware of environmental issues. Seeing the effects of pollution and climate change on marine ecosystems firsthand can inspire you to take action to protect the ocean. Many divers become passionate advocates for marine conservation and participate in activities like underwater clean-ups and conservation projects.

Social Connections

Scuba diving is a social activity that allows you to meet people from all over the world. Joining a dive club or participating in dive trips can help you make new friends and share amazing experiences. The diving community is welcoming and supportive, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for the underwater world.

Travel Opportunities

Scuba diving can take you to some of the most beautiful and exotic places on Earth, and Bali is no exception. From the crystal-clear waters of Nusa Penida to the vibrant reefs of Amed, Bali offers incredible dive sites that provide unforgettable experiences. Traveling to these dive spots allows you to explore new cultures and environments while enjoying the thrill of diving.